Apparatus for producing metal parts



H. G. KELLOGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS Oct, l2, 1954 15 snets-sneet 1 Filed July l2, 1948 6 L R m m VM.. I umuHmu m G w M wm .w mw mmlwr ,m hm/ El. oO B h E a m a ov E l .f 2m om o@ oalm on \0\o 2=\\U -Ll Nv H|| [Mnl 1|, .l-|- uw- -\u- Mf 3 mm mv -m2 Nm wm mr IIIV- -nrw l 2 mm. o mm i; :l il: -lll www 5f 2.; eo. m2). O oO NmT mm. 2C om E@ E; :N o* f mm \T.m.n

Oct. l2, 1954 H. G. KELLOGG 2,691,204

l APPARATUS PoR PRoDucTNG METAL PARTS Filed July 12, 1948 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. l2, 1954 H. G. KELLoGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 12, 1948 INVENTOR. #wwf/P Kamers ymw,m/MW

Oct. 12, 1954 H. G. KELLOGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS Filed July 12. 1948 13 sheets-sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

HoMf/e /ffuoee BY Oct. 12, 1954 H. G. KELLOGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS 13 sheds-sheet 5 Filed July 12, 1948 IN VEN TOR.

Ho/wf/e KfLLoGG r BY www Oct. l2, 1954 H. G. KELLOGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 12, 1948 PHN-Hm INVENTOR. Afa/uff? 6. A19-1.066

ATTORNEYS Oct. I2, 1954 H. G. kELLoGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS 13 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 12, 1948 A INVENTOR. /oMf/e G. /zz 066 BY www,

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Oct. 12, 1954 H. G. KELLOGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS Filed July 12, 1948 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 Y// Jax 51 4al a'l s 37 49 z VENTUR Oct. 12, 1954 H. s. KELLoGG 2,691,204

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS Filed July 12, 1948 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 IN VEN TOR. Afa/wf@ A2-m66 Oct. 12, 1954 H. G. KELLoGG 2,691,204

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS I Filed July 12, 194s 13 Sheets-Sheet lO IT f f/JNENTOR.

#0MM 6. /ffzzose Oct. 12, 1954 H. G. KELLOGG '2.691,204

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS Filed July 12, 1948 13 Sheets-Sheet 11 IEIEEEE ZIO w i /BIZ E1E E7 INVNTOA Home-R 6. kfu osa Oct. 12, 1954 Flled July 12 1948 A INVENToR. //aM/? 42u 066 Y Oct. 12, 1954 H. `G. KLLOGG APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL PARTS Filed July 12, 1948 13 Sheets-Sheet 13 ISG INVENToR. #0/175? 5. A224 0&6 Bmm,

Afro/wins Patented Oct. l2, 1954 2,691,204 APPARATUS Foa PRODUCING METAL PARTS Homer G. Kellogg, Highland Park, Mich., assigner to Motor Products Corporation, Detroit, Mich.; a. corporation of New York Application Jly'iz, 1948, serial No. 38,277'

Claims.

This invention relates generally to apparatus yfor manufacturing structural members composed ofmetal strips permanently secured together and has particularreference to improvements in apparatus for securing the strips together. This is acontinuation-in-part of my copending application, Ser. No. 710,525, led November 18, 1946, and now Patent No. 2,473,590.

Although `the invention is not limited to the fabrication of structural elements of any particular shape lor size1 nevertheless, it does provide highly satisfactory equipment for producing structural elements of thetype commonly referred to in the trade as metal nailing members. These members usually comprise a pair of strips channel-shaped in cross section and permanently secured together in back to back relationship with the base portions spaced' laterally from one another to receive a nail therebetween. The base portions are ordinarily irregular in cross sectional contour to impart a serpentine shape to the space therebetween s o that as a nail is forced into this space, Iit is crimped Vand securely held against accidental withdrawal.

In the interests of economy in manufacture, the strips are preferably secured together adjacent opposite longitudinal edges thereof by pins which are forced through the strips and have the opposite ends peened or riveted over the adjacent strips. It has been proposed to successively accomplish the above securing function at regular spaced rintervals Without interrupting advancement of the strip along a predetermined path of travel, and as a Consequence, this apparatus may be used in conjunction with the rolling machine employed to fashion the strips to the Specified cross sectional contour. It has also been proposed to fashion the pins by cutting the same from substantially continuous lengths of wire stock prior to forcing the pins through the strips and peening the ends of the pins.

With the above in view, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide apparatus of the foregoing type equipped With mechanism for straightening the wire stock before the latter is fed to the cut-off die. Thus any tendency for the cutoff die to become jammed by irregular stock is eliminated and continued reliable operation of the apparatus is assured.

Another object of thisinvention is to space the two strips from one another as they are advanced between cooperating die sections having provision for embossing the strips in directions toward one another at points spaced longitudinally of the strips and movable as a unit with the strips during the embossing operation. The enibossed lportions cooperate to hold the strips in sufcient lateral spaced relationshipthroughout their length to enable driving a nail between the strips at practically any selected point.

Still another object of this invention is to support the spacers on the movable die sections so that the spacers move as a unit with the die sections. This arrangement reduces Wear of the spacers to a minimum since during the interval the strips are clamped'betvveen the die sections in pressure contact with the spacers, the latter are moving with thestrips. Thus ythe only time the strips move relative to the spacers is during the open positions of the die sections when the friction is at a minimum.

VA further feature of this inventionV is to provide riveting rolls at opposite sides of the strips beyond the delivery end of the die and to provide means for indexing the rolls to peenthe vprojecting ends of the pins over the adjacent strip.rv

The foregoing as Well as other objects will be made more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection With lthe accompanying drawings, wherein: n f

Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan View of apparatus embodying the features of this invention;

Figure 2 is a plan View partly in section of the die assembly embodied in the apparatus;

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1; i Figure `i is a plan view partly in section of the die assembly showing the top die section removed for the sake of clearness;

Figure 5 is across sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a sectional View taken onthe line G-G of Figure 5;

Figure '7 is a sectional view taken on the line 1 1 of Figure 5; Y

Figure 8 is la sectional View taken on the line 8--8 of Figure 7; l

Figure 9 is a sectional View taken on the line 9 9 of Figure 5;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on the line i-l of Figure 4;

Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the die assembly andshowing the punch for driving one of the pins through the strips of the structural member;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective View of a part of the die assembly;

Figure 13 is afragmentary end elevational view of a part of the apparatus showing the straightening mechanism forthe lengths of pin stock;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken on the line Ill-i4 of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken on the line IE-l5 of Figure 3;

Figure 16 is a sectional view taken on the line lili6 of Figure 1;

Figure 1'7 is a semi-diagrammatic plan view of a part of the apparatus showing the indexing mechanism for the riveting rolls;

Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the indexing mechanism shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a detailed sectional view of the feeding mechanism for the pin stock;

Figures 20, 21, 22 and 23 are respectively sectional views taken on the lines 20-20, 2l-2l, 22-22 and 23-23 of Figure 13;

Figure 24 is a sectional view taken on the line 2t-24 of Figure 19;

Figures 25, 26, 27 and 28 are fragmentary sectional views of the rolls provided for peening and riveting opposite ends of the pins over adjacent surfaces of the strips; and

Figure 29 is a sectional view taken on the line 29-29 of Figure 1.

It will be understood as this description proceeds that apparatus embodying the principles of this invention may be advantageously employed to form numerous diiferent types of composite members. However, the apparatus selected herein for the purpose of illustration is especially designed to produce a structural member or element 30 comprising elongated strips 3l and 32 arranged in juxtaposition to one another.

As shown particularly in Figures 5 and 8 of the drawings the strips are substantially channelshaped in cross section and are positioned with the base portions thereof in back to back relationship. In the present instance the base portions of the two strips are spaced laterally from one another a distance suidcient to enable driving nails therebetween and are of an irregular cross sectional contour to provide a serpentine passage. The arrangement is such that nails driven into the passage between the strips are crimped and are retained in place.

Referring now more in detail to Figures 7 and 11, it will be noted that the base portions of the two channel-shaped strips are embossed toward one another at points spaced longitudinally of the structural element 30 adjacent opposite sides thereof. The embossed portions are indicated generally by the reference numeral 33, and act as spacers for holding the base portions of the strips in proper laterally spaced relationship. In practice the embossed portions 33 at one longitudinal side edge of the structural member 30 are offset lengthwise of the structural member with respect to the embossed portions 33 at the opposite longitudinal side edge. In cases where the structural member is of substantial width, it may also be desired to emboss the central portions of the base sections of the channel-shaped strips in the manner designated by the numeral 34 in Figure l0 of the drawings.

In any case the two channel-shaped strips are riveted together at each of the embossed portions 33 by a pin 35 projecting through the embossed portions 33 and having the opposite ends peened or riveted over the adjacent strips in the manner indicated more clearly in Figure 28 of the drawings.

The structural member described above may be manufactured in substantially continuous lengths and may also be formed with a predetermined degree of curvature depending upon the use of the structural member. In any case the two channel-shaped strips are advanced as a unit along a predetermined path of travel during the riveting and embossing operations. Thus it is not necessary to interrupt advancement of the strips during either the embossing or riveting operations, and as a consequence, the apparatus forming the subject matter of this invention may be used in conjunction with the rolling machine employed for forming the strips to the cross sectional contour described above.

With the foregoing in View, reference is now made more in detail to the apparatus for embossing and riveting the two channel-shaped strips together. This apparatus comprises a frame structure indicated generally by the reference character 36 and is adapted to support a die assembly 3T with parts thereof positioned above and below the path of travel of the two channelshaped strips. Upon reference to Figure 29 of the drawings, it will be noted that a pair of feed rolls 38 are rotatably supported on the frame 36 at the entrant end of the die assembly 31 in positions to respectively frictionally engage the base portions of the channel-shaped strips 3l and 32. The bottom feedroll is secured to a shaft 39 having the opposite ends journalled in bearings 40 on the frame 36 and having a drive gear 4l secured thereto. The top feed roll 38 is secured to a shaft 42 having the opposite ends journalled in bearings on the frame 36 and having a gear 43 secured thereto in meshing relation with the gear 4l. The arrangement is such that the feed rolls are rotated in opposite directions to advance the channel-shaped strips in the direction of the arrow 44 shown in Figure l of the drawings, Attention may be called to the fact that the top feed roll 38 is formed of two axially spaced sections, and that a cam 44 is secured to the shaft 42 between the feed roll sections for rotation by the shaft. This cam is shown in Figures 1 and 6 of the drawings, and is instrumental in advancing the die section 31 in the direction of movement of the channel-shaped strips during the embossing and riveting operations.

The die assembly 3l comprises a top section 45 positioned above the structural element 3U and a bottom section 16 located below the structural element. The bottom section 46 embodies a slide 41 substantially I-shaped in plan view having heads 48 at opposite ends extending laterally beyond opposite sides of the path of travel of the strips 3l, 32 and supported for sliding movement in the direction of advancement of the strips on parts i9 of the frame, shown in Figures 6, 8 and l0 of the drawings.

The slide 4'! is guided by a pair of guides 50 respectively secured to the frame parts 49 at opposite sides of the slide and having recesses 5l formed in the inner edges for receiving the adjacent edges of the slide 4l. It will be noted from Figures 8 and 10 that the width of the recesses 5i is sufficiently greater than the width of the edge portions of the slide 41 received therein to enable movement of the lower die section l upwardly the distance required to form the embossed portions 33 and 34 in the bottom strip 3l. Secured to the top of the slide 41 is a part 52 elongated in the direction of length of the slide and having a width predetermined to enable projecting the same into the channel of the bottom strip 3 l. As shown in Figures 5, '7, 10 and ll, the part 52 is formed with upwardly extending projections 53 at opposite side edges spaced from eachV other toiz-fashiomthe emhosseportions .33t-irrthe bottom; stript3sls=inresponse to iup?- wardzmovement: of; the bottom: die; section 46; 'll-hercenterrowr of bosses.- 34 are yformed-cont. the bottoml strip 3|'- by projectionsV 54r-l` vextending; upwardlyfromthef part: .52: and shown EigurepY ofthe-drawings.

Inasmuch.- asthe structural. .element 31h-is 1ongitudinally curvedgdt, wilb be understoodzthat the two:- dief sections 45;'. and.; 46:- areicorrespondingly curifed,V and-this. is. alsortrne` of thei gui-desv- 50.1so thatrthe die.' assembly; 3 lis compelledivto move along-:the same. path: as the.- structural.r element. The.r bottom: die; Vsection 116iA also embodiesf.a;..1;\air oifrails 55 :and` isecured-:tothe slide 4l4 atioppo-zside sides-of. .the part-52; asJ-.showrr ini-."Fi'guresrii and 10;. The-*raiLEG-ispositioned ter-engage.- the adjacent; sideoffthe bottomarstrip 3|- andfia-ctsfas a-:shoe iso-position thiszstrip on;.the. lower diefs'e'c- 131011:.

The top die section;455iszadapteditosextend into the channelof;`:the.top strip 32,-. and .has aspbottom plate 5l 'engageable.with'thezbase of; thefchannel shaped stripI 32;'. As shown. in1^FiguresJ5,-. 1.0 and 1.1. the :plate 5:'l5.has.- downwardly. extending proa jetions; 58.' registering, Wit-hr' Ithe projectionsr53 to.: form; the-embossed portions-133 inatheztopfrstrip 32x-in response' tddownward movementiofthedie sections.. Additional-projections: are fornred,r` on thef plate 5l att the .centerrthereof--.fori.registras tion withe the projections. 54aA totf'orin-` the'e row 1 of' embossed .portions 341011 the top'. strip. 3,22. Sup.- ported on .the .tops-of the-plate 5'lfffor'sliding-Inove-A mentrelativesthereto fisc-axV slide; 5& having aslongitudinally#extendingY centrali rib :59v projecting upwardly therefrom and receivedkwithinfafrecess E0.- formed` in the bottom.' side cifrar-.topf member Grlxin thet mannerzclea-rlyshowns--insv Figure'v 1'22. of. the drawings.. Referringfnow tozFigure-Tf'ot the drawings a portion l2-at4 the` rear end* ofi'themember'projectsbeyondthe-adjacent end ofthe slide and is secured to the plate-.BTLr byvr a spacer block .a6-3; A: coilsprings 524': is supported'.v bet-Ween the; block-t 6.3iA andl the rear-f endlof l the f slidel fr urgingfthe-slide toits. iorward'mostv position where`v im the frontiend: of thel slide `afout's1 a shoulder 65:: formed. by an. upstanding: enlargement15'6i at the frontzendoff the-r plat'e 51'? This-enlargement' forxrrsiaseat for the frontf-endf'of"theamember 5|'- amd.; is Asecuredf thereto by suitable str-ids, not

shown..

Referring. againrtoFigure 1210i ther-drawings its-.will be noted-that''anl elongated slot* Gliformedqin. opposite'side walls off thel-memherf intermediate the ends-lofitli'e latter lfor-receivingazcross. piece-685 Thecentral-p-ortion-oftlie cross'- piece-.iszsecuredto ltheslide- ''b'yscrews GSI-"accesesibl'elthrougha an opening 'IU-(through the top -wall of; the member. El. The-free ends-- of''the cross piece 68 project laterally beyond' oppositey sidesofthe member'. Si! andare fashioned to frmcam'- portions-21.]' As Will-loepresentl'y' set forthL the slide.- 58 ais-moved in. a direction1 againstl the action oipthe.: spring. dby.- applyinga rearward-fthrusty against ythecam portionsil l onathe cross-@piece 682-- .Formingr a` part. of the die assemblyrv 31 'is-1 a` pair of spacers. 12;.shown1.in;FiguresL:4 andoff the .drawings as Ipositioned-iat: opposite. sides ofi' the1structura1.ie1ementr30:. The spacers are generally T-shaped in cross section and are respetav tivelysupportedon the-:rails 55', 5B:with-.,thef.stem portions4 '13 extending. horizontally-in;- an inward:y directionbetween the f-.coopierating die; sections. It. will.- be notedparticularly fromsFigurefLo-f.

the drawings; that-.the rails. are-:.formedi with .re-5 75 cesses: 'Mi-.iin cthezinner; faces; thereof fonzslirlazbiii receiving-.t thee-lower. endsof the head-portions 'mi of-the-z spacers; The; stem'. portions T3; are: lo'.- cat.ed1to1.extendf betweenthe two.. strips; v3 It. 32:.of the structural element 30; as'. thelatterrisffied be;' tween the die sections. The thiclrnessioi-thestem portions: 'I3--correspondse to.` the' specie'dz spacing betweenithefstripsr.35| 3.2; and: are-shaped rtoxrcorreJ-- spondg/tohthe crossfisectionarcontour of the-iper? tionsfzoff the stripsengaged thereby. It'. will-:also be noted thatthe stem. portionsll are formed witl slots'.4 16: which extend; forwardlyt from; the rear.. ends .of the spacers; and provide.v clearance iorz-.thei-embossing. projections 532 and 58.. respeer tively carriedibyfthe top and'bottom.diesectionsz Asshowrr; particularly in Figure 4. of. the.' drawings-'..tliefrear ends of theaheads 'I5 on .the spacers are. adapted to c abut: shoulders Tri formedC by: the rear ends-of. the', recesses. T4. Theispacersiare normally held against thefshoulders 11' by. reason ofrthe-y frictifonal.'` engagement; between.l the'. strips 311, .32; andthe stem portionsf 13 of the-spacers: Referring:r againl to4 Figure 5.: off-'the drawings.. it willi be; notedthat the head. portionsE 153: ofi t'li'e spac ers lrespectively frictionally engage the flanges atzoppositezsides'of.thelstructurallelement 30and resistifany tendency for.l these flanges to. deform during-r.v the embossing operation. The forego# ing:construction` is such. that .when the cooperate ing-.die sections are moyedinto clamping engagement..witlr thestructurallelement 3U; the spacers. l.2;.-move as-aunitawiththedie 3..I`al'ong the path' of'travelioffthefstructural element,'.so that during. tl-.refinterval.y maximum'- pressure is' applied; to' thenspacers. there is no .relative movement be` tween-:fthe structural` element-rand spacers. This is-highlyfadvantageous'in that itreduces the -wea-r ot the spacersito minimum..

Inf som-einstancesit .may be. desirable to'fpro'- videfasupport; forf the.- central portion'. of the structural; element; Bil? while the latter is lcat'ed' between the cooperating die sections. With-thisinz View." reference-i isi-made: to.. Figures 5', 7?," 8F. and l-Ogwherein vitwillfloe-:noted that a pressure pad- Buis.. supported-entire lower die section Adi-in' af-position-z to. engage' the'. central portionf oftheA bottom: strip :3l-1. The; pressure pad: il-is in'y the form of anelongate'dstrip whichy extends rear-- Wardly-from the spacers 'l2-itc.approximately-therea-r -en'di of .the vdie assembly:y This .pressure padiis. supported. for. vertical` sliding. movement!" atRf spaced-:points on:A thee` part: 52.-'. of? the bottonr die. sect-ions d6. byfpin's' iH-i .having the kupper ends' seecur-.edvto: ther-pressure: pad. `and "having thei lower-` ends slidabl-e' ina-bores. 8'2-5: formed .in the part 52? The vpressure padisyieldably: urged at longitud#- nally spaced points in an upward direction into' engagementzwith;'the-stript 3 Il'- 'by coil springs 83 located-.-wit-liinthie receses. 84" also. formed-inthe part'1525ofthe--lower'diesection;

Uporrreference'- to. Figures@ and-Stof the-'drawings; .iti willfb'e noted. that blocks` dare' respec-'f ti-vely: seoured: tothe slide-47 ateacli' of the cor-fners--thereo Each brlockl all-is bored andi-has a-.fpres-sed':`t with' the lowerend of averticallyextending.= guide pin.18`5 The upper ends of the gui'depins project substantial-ly above the die assembly 30 and-'a header assembly isslidably suppor-tedon the-'guide pins. The vheader-assembly- 86 `comprises'1 a plateY 8T approximating insize the slide-.4T andfhavingfblocks 88 respectively"- secured, to'. the underside 'at-'the four cornersthereofzl Therblocks- 88: andi plate 8l.' aref formed withsaligned` openings therethrough' for slidably receiving the :pins 851i Asl-shown:v particul'arlyinJ Figure 2 of the drawings, a bridge 89 extends transversely of the plate 81 at each end thereof. The bridges 89 are provided with laterally inwardly extending ears 90 at opposite ends and the ears are respectively slidably supported on the adjacent guide pins 85.

The header assembly 88 is normally yieldably maintained in its raised position by means of four coil springs 9| respectively located between the pads 88 on the plate 81 and the pads 84 on the slide 41 as clearly shown in Figures 4, 6 and 9 of the drawings. It will also be noted from Figure 7 of the drawings that the plate 81 is, in effect, connected to the top die section 45 by coil springs 92 located between the top die section 45 adjacent opposite ends of the latter and the plate 81. The purpose of the coil springs S2 is to urge the top die section 45 downwardly in response to downward movement of the header assembly 80.

The header assembly 85 is moved downwardly to effect a corresponding movement of the top die section 45 by a pair of cams 93 respectively supported at opposite sides of the plate 81 above the latter on a drive shaft 94. As shown in Figure l of the drawings, the drive shaft 94 is journalled in bearings 95 suitably supported on the machine frame 36, and is driven` in a manner to be more fully hereinafter described. Upon reference to Figure of the drawings it will be noted that the plate 81 is formed with recesses in opposite sides thereof to provide clearance for the cams 93, and the latter are respectively engageable with blocks 96 secured to the plate 81 by angle members 91. The arrangement is such that rotation of the cams 93 in a clockwise direction from the position thereof shown in Figure 9 of the drawings imparts a downward thrust on the blocks 9E and causes the header assembly 86 to travel downwardly. As a result the springs 92 are compressed and the uper die section 45 is moved downwardly to emboss the top channel strip 32.

The bottom die section 46 is moved upwardly at the same time that the top die section 45 is moved downwardly, and this is accomplished by cams 98. The cams 99 are secured to a shaft 99 which extends transversely of the bottom die section 46 below the latter and is suitably journalled on the frame of the machine. It will be noted from Figure 1 of the drawings that the shaft 99 is extended for connection to a suitable source of power and is connected to the feed roll shaft 42 for operating the latter through the medium of gearing |00. The shaft 99 also has a gear |0| secured thereto, and this gear is adapted to mesh with a gear |02 secured to the cam shaft 94 for rotating the latter.

The cams 98 have suitable projections for selectively engaging the undersides of the rails 55, 56 in the manner clearly shown in Figure 5 of the drawings. It will be noted that the slide 41 is in its lowermost position in Figure 5 of the drawings, and that sulcient clearance is provided by the guides 50 to enable the upward movement of the bottom die section 46 required for the embossing projections to cooperate with the registering embossing projections on the top die section 45 to emboss the channel strips.

In order to assure uniform movement of the two die sections toward one another, linkage |02 is supported at opposite sides of the die 31. As shown in Figures 6 and 8 of the drawings, each linkage comprises a longitudinally extending link |03 having the rear end respectively pivotally connected to the blocks 84 and 881 at the rear end 8 of the die 31 by links |04. The front end of each link |03 is respectively pivotally connected to the blocks 84 and 88 at the front end of the die by links |05. This linkage acts to prevent cocking or tilting of the two die sections 45 and 46 as the latter are moved relative to one another.

Cooperating with the linkage |02 to assure uniform movement of the top die section 45 in a downward direction are two pairs of rollers |06 and |01. The rollers |00 are spaced laterally from each other in the manner shown in Figure 2 of the drawings and are engageable with pads |08 secured to the top of the plate 81 adjacent the front end of the latter. The rollers |06 are respectively rotatably supported on the lower ends of vertically extending arms |09 by shafts ||0 which extend laterally outwardly beyond the lower ends of the arms |09 through slots formed in adjacent vertically extending frame members |52. Thus the rollers |06 are guided in a vertical path by the slots in the frame members ||2. The upper ends of the arms |09 are respectively pivotally connected to the front end of a pair of rock arms ||3 shown in Figure 14 of the drawings as pivoted intermediate the ends to plates ||4 which are shown in Figure 3 as respectively secured to the top edges of the frame members ||2. It will also be noted from Figure 3 of the drawings that the frame members 2 and associated plates l i4 are recessed to provide clearance for the cams 93. The rear swinging ends of the rock arms |3 are shown in Figure 14 as connected by a bridge member ||5 and it will be noted from Figure 3 of the drawings that the undersides of the rear ends of the rock arms 3 respectively engage the cams 93. The arrangement is such that when the cams 93 are rotated in a clockwise direction to move the top die section downwardly, the rock arms ||3 are swung in a corresponding direction to urge the rollers |06 in a downward direction against the pads |08 on the plate 81.

The rollers |01 respectively engage pads ||6 at the rear end of the plate 81 and are moved downwardly as a unit with the rollers |06 so that substantially uniform downward pressure is applied to opposite ends of the plate 81 to assure uniform downward movement of the top die section 45. As shown in Figure 10 of the drawings, the shafts ||1 on which the rollers |01 are mounted extend laterally outwardly and respectively project through slots I8 formed in the vertical frame members ||2, so that the rollers |01 are also guided throughout their vertical travel. The roller shafts |1 are respectively supported on the lower ends of :a pair of vertical arms I |9 having the upper ends respectively pivotally connected to the rear ends of a pair of rock arms |20 similar to the rock arms 3 in that they are pivoted intermediate the ends on the plates ||4. The front ends of the rock arms 20 are connected by a bridge |2| and an adjustable set screw |22 is supported on the bridge |2| for contact with the bridge 5 previously described as connecting the rear ends of the rock arms |l3. The arrangement is such that the rock arms ||3 operate the rock arms |20 to force the rollers |01 downwardly against the pads IS with approximately the same force as applied to the pads |08 by the rollers |06.

In accordance with the present invention movement of the rock arms ||3 and |20 by the cam 93 operates the rivet stock feeding mechanism designated generally by the reference character |23. As shown in Figures 13 and 19 the feeding sgool-,2204

mechanism |23 comprises a support |24 positioned in spaced relation-above the rock arms l I3 and |20. This support is movable asa unit with the die assembly 31 and is supported on the member 6| of the top die section 45 by laterally spaced vertical rods |25, shown best in Figure `V1 of the drawings. Mounted on the'support |24 is a plate |26 having openings |21 therethrough for respectively receiving two continuous lengths of rivet stock |28. As shown particularly in Figure 19 the inner walls of the openings |21 taper outwardly from the top surface of the plate |26 and a clutch |29 is supported in each opening. Each clutch comprises a plurality of sections |36 cooperating with one anothervto forma central passage for receiving a length of .rivet stock |28 and having the outer walls tapered to conform to the inner walls'of the opening |21. A roller |3| is rotatably supported in each clutch section and the rollers are grooved to frictionally engage the rivet stock |28 passing through the clutches |23. The peripheral portions of the rollers also ride on the tapered inner walls of the openings |21 and the arrangement islsuch that when the clutches are in their uppermost position with respect to the plates |26, the rivet stock |26 is gripped by the rollers. The clutch sections areurged to their stock gripping positions by coil springs 32 having the lower ends seated on brackets |33 and having the upper `ends respectively engaging the sections of the-two clutches. The brackets |33 are suitably supported on the plate |26 below the latter and are formed with clearance openings for the rivet stock.

It follows from the foregoing that the two lengths of rivet stock |23 are rictionally gripped by the clutches |26. However, the nature of the clutches is such that the two lengths of rivet stock |28 may be pulled downwardly relative to the clutches. In order to grip the two lengths of rivet stock for feeding the same in a downward direction, a second plate |34 is positioned directlybelow the plate |26. Referring again to Figure 19 ofthe drawings,.it will benoted that the plate |34 is centrally apertured to freely receive a bolt |35 having a head at the lower end and having a threaded shank extendingupwardly through the support |24 and plate |26. The threaded shank projects freely 'through the plate |26 and is threaded in the support |24, so that the plate |26 may be clamped to the support by nuts |36 threaded on the upper end of the bolt. It will also be noted that the plate 34 is .normally urged downwardly relative to the plate |26 vby coil springs |31 interposed between the plates.

"The plate |34 is formed .with openings |38 respectively aligned with the openings |21 in the plate |26 and having the side walls tapered in the same direction as the walls of the openings |21. Identical clutches' |39 are respectively supported in the openings |38 and the rollers |46 of the clutches |39 are normally urged vinto gripping relationship with the rivet stock by the springs |4| which are identical to the springs |32.

In order to vfeed the two lengths of rivet stock in a downward direction the plate |34 is moved upwardly against the action of the springs |31. Owing to the nature of the clutches |39, upward movement of the plate |34 releases .the clutches permitting relatively free upward movementof the plate |34. Although this upward movement of 'the plate 34 may impart an upward thrust on'the two lengths of rivet stock, nevertheless,

the clutches `|29 `prevent yupward displacement` lfO of-therivetfstock Assoon 'asthe upward movement ofthe plate |34 is discontinued, -the'clutches v|39 `irmly-grip vtheltwo lengths of stock v4so that the "latt'er -are advanced during downward-movement lof the plate |34 :by the springs |31. It will i-be understood Afrom `the Vabove that as soon as -a downwardpunis-applied to the ftwo lengths of rivet'sto'ck Abythe fclutchesi, the clutches '|29 release'the-stock so' as not'to interfere with feeding-'oi the latter.

'In the present instance fthe -plate vv1| 34 is `moved inem-upward direction-to initiate the rivet stock feeding action -by the-rockarms |20. r-As'shown in Figures -13 'and'll of "the drawings, a rail |42 extends l`between the plates |534 land the 'bridge |2| connecting `the lrear ends 'of the rock 'arms |26. The lrear end-of "the rail|f`42fis pivoted vfor vertical swinging imovementto the upper end of afvertical' support'-=|43 having the lower end lsecured to y'asuitableirame part |544. The arrangement is such-'that as theirock arms |f|3 and i241 fare'operatedbyfthe 'cams V33f-to assist in movingvthe top-'diesection-45 downwardly, the bridge |`2| on Ithe rock arms )|20 engages the rail |42 to-swing thei'latter in an upward direction. lAs the ``freeendfof the rail |42 swings upwardly, it engages the 'plate L|34 and -displaces the latter inffan-Yupward direction against the `springs |31 toiinitia'te thelrivetsto'ck feeding operation. As the-foams "93 are advancedto-permit return Vmovementfo'f the v'top 'diesection subsequent to the embossing operation, the rock Vfarms |13, |26`are released, enabling the rail :|42 -to 'return to its lowermost position out of contact with the plate |34. Thus the springs |31 are free -to move the plate :|34 downwardlyfand thereby advance the rivet stock.

`'As will be presently described the lower ends of the two lengths of rivet stock are fed into the die assembly, -and it'isvdesired to vhave the stock as-straightas possible in order to assure properly feeding 'the rivet stock into the die assembly. For accomplishing this result rivet stock straightening mechanism |45 is provided. This mechanism vhas va slide r|46 suitably supported above the `rivet stock feeding mechanism |23 for vertical sliding movement. As shown in'Figures 13, 20-and 21 the slidel |46comprises laterally spaced plates |41-and vertical columns |48 located between the plates. 'The columns |48 are channelshaped in cross section and are -reversely positioned with respect to one-another in the manner shown in Figure 20 of the drawings. These columnsare suitably supported at the lower ends -on the machine frame and act asa guide for the sl-ifde'lf46. A pairof shoes |49 are respectively slidably supported in the channel-shaped columns and these shoes are respectively secured to :the plates 141. The plates |41 are kvsecured together v'by studs |5|l which project through vertically-elongated slots l|5| formed in the base portions of the channels.

The two lengthsfof rivet stock |28 are guided from suitable coils of lstock (not shown) along opposite sides lof the straightening mechanism by suitable grooved rollers |52. The stock is then passeddownwardlyat opposite sides'of the Vslide I 46 'in operative vrelation "to straightening rollers |53. The straightening rollers |53'v are arranged in two sets respectively rotatably supported on opposite 'sides of the slide |46. `Each set of straightening rollers |53 comprises three rollers |54, :and |56 spaced from each other in the direction of `movement of the slide. A length of :rivet 'stock is passed over-the front side of the rollers |54 and over the rear side of the intermediate roller |55 to the front side of the roller |56. It will be noted from Figure 13 of the drawings that the intermediate roller |55 of each set is positioned to lie between the rollers |53 and |56, so that the rivet stock is reversely bent to some extent as it passes over the rollers and is stretched sufciently to straighten the same. It will be noted that the rollers |54 and |55 are rotatably supported on eccentrics |54 (Figure 20) to enable adjusting the extent of bending of the rivet stock engaged by the straightening rollers.

In order to assure eiectively straightening the two lengths of rivet stock |28 the slide |46 is actually moved upwardly some time prior to feeding the lengths of stock |28 to the die assembly 31. In order to move the slide |46 in an upward direction at the desired intervals, a cam |58 is secured to the shaft 42 and is engageable with the lower end of an arm |59 shown in Figure 13 of the drawings as slidably supported on an arm |60 carried by one of the eolumns |48. The upper end of the arm |59 has an ear |6|, and the lower end of a link |62 is pivoted to the ear |6| by a pin |63. The upper end of the link |62 is pivoted to the slide by a pin |64, so that upward displacement of the arm |59 by the cam |58 imparts a corresponding upward movement of the straightening device |45. Return or downward movement of the slide is effected by a spring |65 having the lower end connected to the arm |60 and having the upper end connected to the slide |46. Attention is called to the fact at this time that the lower end of the arm |60 is supported on a part of the machine frame in the manner clearly shown in Figure 22 of the drawings.

By reason of the straightening device |45 defined above, the portions of the rivet stock |28 between the die assembly 31 and the feeding mechanism |23 are maintained perfectly straight within practical limits. As a consequence jamming of the die assembly by irregular rivet stock is reduced to a minimum.

The feeding mechanism |23 is so arranged with respect to the die assembly 31 that the two lengths of rivet stock are located respectively adjacent opposite longitudinal edges of the structural element 38, and as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, are spaced from each other longitudinally of the structural element. Actually the length of rivet stock |28 at one side of the structural element is adapted to register with the row of embossed portions 33 at the same side of the structural element, and the other length of rivet stock is adapted to register with the row of embossed portions 33 at the opposite side of the structural element.

As shown particularly in Figure '1 of the drawings the lower end of each length of rivet stock |28 extends downwardly through aligned openings |61 and |68 formed in the member 5| and slide 58 of the top die section 45. A bushing |69 is secured in each opening |61 and the bore through the bushing is aligned with the adjacent opening |68 in the slide 58 when the latter is in its forwardmost or inoperative position. It will be understood that the bore through each bushing |69 and the associated opening |68 are of a diameter approximating the external diameter of the rivet stock so as to snugly engage the same.

The lower ends of the two lengths of rivet stock |28 accommodated in the openings |63 are severed from the remainder of the stock by moving the slide 58 in a rearward direction against the action of the spring 64. The slide 58 is moved in a rearward direction against the action of the spring 64 to shear the lower ends of the rivet stock from the remainder thereof by cams |10 shown in Figures 5, 5 and 9 of the drawings. It will be noted from Figure 5 of the drawings that the cams |10 are secured to the shaft 94 in positions to respectively engage the cam ends 1| of the cross piece 68. The arrangement .is such that the cams |10 engage the cross piece 68 at about the same time the cams 93 engage the top plate 81 on the header assembly to move the top die section "45 downwardly. In any case engagement of the cam |16 with the cross piece 68 moves the slide 58 in a rearward direction against the action of the spring 64 to cut oi' the lower end portions of the rivet stock |28 to form pins or rivets 35.

By the time the slide 58 approaches the end of its rearwardmost travel, the top die section i5 has been moved downwardly and the bottom die section 46 has been moved upwardly to cooperate with the top section in embossing the strips 3|, 32 of the structural element 30. Referring again to Figures 6 and 9, it will be noted that when the top die section 45 is in its lowermost position, the cam ends 1| on the cross piece 63 assume positions at the rear ends of a pair of stops |13. As shown in Figure 5 of the drawings the stops |13 are respectively secured to the shoes 55 and `56. The purpose of the stops is to prevent immediate return movement oi the slide 58 by the action of the spring 64 after the cross piece 68 is released by the cams |16. Actually the stops |13 cooperate with the end portions 1| of the cross piece to retain the slide 58 in its rearwardmost position until the top die section 45 is returned to its uppermost position shown in Figure 6 of the drawings.

It has previously been stated that during the embossing operation the die assembly 31 is advanced as a unit with the structural element 30. This is accomplished by the cam 44 previously described as secured to the shaft 42. The cam 4'4 engages the front end of a plunger |14 shown in Figure 6 of the drawings as slidably supported in the frame structure |44. The plunger is yieldably urged into contact with the cam 44 by a coil spring |15 supported between the rear end of the plunger and the bridge member 89 at the front end of the die assembly. The cam 44 is designed to impart rearward movement to the die assembly 31 at about the same time the die sections 45 and "46 are relatively moved toward each other into engagement with the structural element 30.

The rivets or pins 35 sheared from the lower ends of the stock |28 by the slide 58 are retained in the openings |68 of the slide and when the slide is in its rearwardmost position, the pins 35 register with aligned openings |11 and openings |18 in the plates 51 and parts 52 respectively. It will further be noted from Figure 1 of the drawings that the member 6| of the tcp die section 45 is formed with openings |19 aligned with the openings |11. The openings |19 are adapted to respectively receive punches extending downwardly from the plate 31 of the header assembly 86. The purpose of the punches |80 is to engage the upper ends of the pins 35 upon continued downward movement of the header assembly and to force the pins through the strips 3|, 32 of the structural element in the manner shown in Figure 10 of the drawings.

113 Referring now .to :Figure .1l of Vthe drawings, it will -be noted that the openings |11 and |18 are respectively formedin the projections 58' and 53. on the plates ,51 and 52, respectively. Thus the pins `35 are forced through the embossedfportions 330i the two strips-3l ,'32 andthe resulting slugs |8| areejected'by gravity through enlarged por- I tions |82 of the openings |18. During this punching operation, it will be `understood that the cooperating die sections 45 and 46 are in their relative closed positions lwherein the slide 58 is held ,by the stops |13 in its rearwardmost position. However, as soon as the pins 35 are extended into the strips 3|, 32 by the punches |89, the cooperating die sections are opened, permitting the slide 58 to return to its forwardmost position by the action of the spring 64. Itmay be pointed out at this time that vertical travel of the top die section 45 is accurately guided by pins .|83 extending downwardly from the header plate ..81 at longitudinally spaced pointsand adapted to respectively slide in bores |84 formed in the member 6|. If desired the pins |83 may also be extended through the slide 58 Vand the plate 51 when the slide is in its rearwardmost position, in order to insure aligning the openings [6;8 :withtheflower ends of the punches |88. ,For this purpose the;s1ide58 is formed with openings |85 ilocatedto respectively register with the bores |84 in the rearwardmost position of the slide. These pins project through the-slidei58 atabout the same time the vpunches |88 are operativeto perform the punchingoperations and the plates 51.are `formed withopenings |86 in alignment Withthe openings |84toreceivethe lower ends of the guide pins |83.

yAfter the punching operation and subsequent to separation of the die sections, the die assembly 31 is returned to its forwardmost position. This is accomplished byacam |81-similar tothe cam .44 previously .-described. As shown -in Figures l and 3 of the drawings the cam |81 is secured to a drive shaft |88 located beyond the rearend of the die assembly 31 and journalled in suitable bearings |89 on the machine frame. Thisconstruction is also shown in Figure 16 of the the drawings, wherein it will be noted that a gear |88 is secured to the shaft |88 and meshes with a gear |98 which is secured to a shaft |92 journalled in the bearings |89 below the shaft |88. It will also be noted that a drive gear |93 issecured to the shaft |92 and this gear is operatively connected to the drive shaft 99 through gearing |94, shown in Figure 1 of the drawings.

The cam |81 is engageable with the outer end of a plunger |95 supported intermediate the ends inapart |98 of the machine frame for sliding movement. The rear end of the Iplunger |95 is yieldably urged into engagement with the cam |81 by a spring |91 located between the front end of the plunger and the bridge 89 at the rear end of the header assembly. The cam |81 operates in out-of-phase relationship to the cam 45 and serves to return the die assembly 31 to its forwardmost position subsequent to the punching operation.

As shown particularlyin Figure 3 of the drawings a second cam |98 is secured to the shaft |88 at one side of the cam ,|81 and the'purpose of this cam is to assist in moving the rear set of rollers |81 downwardly against the top die section. In detail a link |99 is pivoted at the rear end to a 'xed support 208, and is provided with a cam follower 28| intermediate the ends for engagement with the cam |98. The front end of the link |99 pivotally lconnected to the: rear end of a'second link 202 by Aa link 283. The rear end of the link 282 is shown in Figure 1.4 of the drawings aspivoted to a bracket 204, which in turn, is connected to a cross piece 295 extendingbetween lthe rear swinging ends `of therock arms |20. A fulcrum in the form of a roller 285 is supported on the vheader assembly for engagement with the link 292 intermediate `the ends thereof. The cam |98 operates in timed'relation to the cam 93 to swing the rear ends of the rock arms |28 downwardly and thereby assist in moving the rollers |81 downwardlyagainst the rear end of the top die section 45.

As the structural element 38 is advanced-rearwardly rbeyond the die assembly 31, the pins or rivets 35 are peened and riveted over the respective strips 3|, 32. Referring again to `Fig- -ures 1 and 16 it will be noted that a pairof roll sections 281 are secured to the shaft |88 at opposite sides of the cam |81 in positions to engage the upper'ends of the pin 85. It will further be noted ythat a roll 288 is secured to theshaft |92 directly opposite the roll sections and is provided with annular portions 289 adjacent opposite ends which cooperate with the roll sections to form serrations in the opposite ends of the pins 35 in the manner shown in Figures 25 and 26 of the drawings. As the structural element ycontinuesv lto advance the serrated ends of the .pins .135 are peened `over in the'manner shownv in yFigure 27 ofthe drawings by cooperating rolls 2id. These rolls are respectively mounted on shafts in positions above and below the structural element, and are driven'by suitable gearingzll shown in Figure l of the drawings.

As advancement of the structural element continues further, the opposite ends of the pins 35 are actually riveted over the adjacent stripsi3| and 82 by a pair of riveting rolls 2|2. The rolls 212 -are formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced riveting heads 2|3. The riveting heads 2|3 projectbeyond the peripheral portions of the rolls 2|2 and are arranged inftWo seriesv spacedaxially from each other a distance determined so that one series engages the pins .35 at one side of the structural element 38 andfthe other series engages the pins at'the opposite side of the structural element 38.

The riveting rolls 2| 2 are driven independently of the remaining rolls and are indexed in timed relation to the rate of travel of the structural element in order to accurately register with the extremities of the pins 35. The indexing mecha.- nism is shown in detail by Figures 17 and 18 of the drawings. This indexing mechanism comprises a ratchet wheel 2 I5 keyed or otherwise secured to the drive lshaft 92 and a second ratchet wheel 2|6 connected to the shaft 2|1 on which the riveting rolls 2| 2 are supported. The ratchet wheels are connected by a slide bar 2|8 supported in any suitable manner for sliding movement on a part 2|9 of the machine frame. A wear plate 228 is secured to the end of the bar 2 8 adjacent the ratchet wheel`2 5 for successive engagement by the teeth on the wheel 2|5. A

pawl v22| is pivoted to the opposite end of thev bar 2|8 in a position to engage the teeth on the ratchet wheel 2|8. A coil spring 222 is provided for normally urging the bar 2|8 in a direction toward the ratchet wheel 2|5. Thus the end of the bar 2|8 adjacent the ratchet wheel 2| 5 is normally positioned for successive'engagement by the teeth on this wheel. The teeth :on the ratchet wheel successively move the bar 

